Lincoln Idealarc 250 Restoration
I inherited a massive 1966 Lincoln Idealarc 250 transformer welding machine from my father. A couple of problems prompted me to take it apart:
- It was missing the amperage indicator and this was hindering my ability to learn how to weld.
- There was apparently a bird nest inside (it was shredded to pieces when I turned the machine on after years of in storage in a shed).
When I opened it up, I found the transformer core badly rusted. I used a wire brush to remove as much rust as possible. I also cleaned up all the dust that had accumulated on the insides and installed a makeshift amperage indicator made from a piece of copper (since I was unable to source the original part).
Removing the rust and dust was the most labor-intensive part of the whole process.
Once it was all cleaned up, I used a special paint called Glyptal Red Insulating Paint to recoat the components inside. It was $50 for a can, but I only needed 1 can.
The fan was in especially bad shape, so I cleaned it up, greased the motor, and polished the blades. There were also some questionable electrical connectors that I replaced.
The chassis was painted with Sunrise Red Rustoleum aerosol paint.
Surprisingly, there were absolutely no problems with the operation of this nearly 60 year old welder after reassembly.
